Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-05-20
Some Of LabOr's Enemies.

Some Of LabOr's Enemies.
1t 10 not to be wondered at, perhaps,
that, in the great conflict between labor
and capital. exaggerated and erroneous
ideas should generally prevail among
those who are thus engaged, concerning
the causes which produce some of the
grievances of which labor so bitterly
complains. Neither is it strange that,
since confidence and trust are reposed in
the more enlightened leaders of these
popular move ments, these ideas are gain
ing. through the authority of such lead
ers, firm hold upon the minds OF labor
ers and are influencing their courses in
many ways The doctrines promulgated
by Henry George and others of that
school OF 80 called retormers, are not of
such nature as to benefit those who ac-
cept them. Unable to determine the
fallscy of such teachings by logical rea-
soning. very many blindly yet implicitly
believe them and hope for realization
of the beneficial results which these
schemes purport to accomplish But cap
ital in any form of investment, is not the
worst enemy that labor has. 1t
may have been selfish in the past and
looked to its own interests with
out proper regard for the
rights of labor. Yet if it should
b. withdrawn from the industrial and
commercial enterprises which it nov sus-
tains its worth TO labor would be fully COM
pretended.
1t may be profitable for labor to listen
candidlv to the advice that is now being
extended by gentlemen who are truly con
cerned for the well-being of the laborer
and to regard in the proper manner other
enemies which they designate. 1t is need
less to say that these gentlemen come for.
ward at this time with the highest and
most sincere motives. foreseelng the fatal
consequences of the confidence reposed in
the false charges and deceptive theories Of
the seem.to- ba benefactors of labor. A fair
consideration OF what they say is only just
The enemies which they point out are
closely connected with the life of the
laborer himself and play an important
part in bringing about the unfortunate cor
dition of things to which he has been sub.
jected.
The general tendency of the poor to ape
the rich is source of much harm. No,
only in dress but in the whole manner Of
living 1t Is conspicuous. Economy well
practiced, will not allow such excessive
and lavish use of hard earned money. Il
entails double loss to the laborel
in maintaining constant credit
Upon the shoulders of the work
isborer rests the base Of the entire credit
system. 1t would seem. also. that Tho
difficulty in earning the dollar would de-
termine its value to the posessor. but tot
frequently this is not the case. The wan
of economy in expenditures proves :
greater enemy than the employer. who il
obliged to cut down wages in order t.
furnish the laborer any employment at all
The manner OF spending money has mucl
to do with the welfare of workingmen. l
is estimated BY competent judges that one
third Of the wages of laborers is expedde,
in many things other than the necessarie
of life. 1t Is very often the case that thu
poor man will purchase articles of foo,
which the rich man thinks he must Q,
without unit! they become cheaper. 1h
same money invested in good, wholesome
strengthening food would prove a ia